TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CONCEPTUAL AND EMPIRICAL FRAMEWORK IN GREECE

This paper examines the importance of transportation networks for the economic and regional development of Greece, focusing on the country’s infrastructure and its road, rail, maritime, and air transport networks. Based on statistical and economic indicators and the application of a multivariate linear regression econometric model, the link between transport and economic and regional development and its complexity is highlighted. The study underlines that the structure and functionality of transportation networks reflect the social and economic needs of their user societies, providing important information on the development dynamics of a country. Through a literature review, technical reports, and empirical analyses, this information can serve as a thematic basis for examining transport networks at both research and policy levels. Overall, this article is addressed to regional researchers and policymakers, highlighting the need for responsible transport planning, which is associated with high opportunity costs and inelastic infrastructure sunk costs.

Dimitrios TSIOTAS - Professor Assistant, Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece tsiotas@aua.gr (Corresponding Author)

Serafeim POLYZOS - Professor, Department of Regional Development and Planning, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece spolyzos@uth.gr

R4, R41, R42

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DECISIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT. THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS AND ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS

Emerging markets have grown in importance as investment and corporate objectives because of globalization. Multinational corporations use foreign direct investment (FDI) as a strategical investment decision to gain a competitive advantage. The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of formal and informal institutional determinants of FDI and how multinational Companies (MNCs) base their strategic investment concerning the institutional environment of emerging and developing markets. Consulting the existing literature in relation to the quality of institutions and their relevance and impact on foreign direct investment strategies and investment decision process this study includes and analyze all institutions (Political, Regulatory, Economic and Cultural) that have an impact on the FDI management strategic investment decision. Herewith the study came with concrete findings and recommendations for potential international investors, local institutions but also organization involved with investment promotion. Based on the relevant theory and primary research findings five research questions and hypotheses were developed to address the research problem “Does institutional and economic determinants impact the strategic investment decision? The study results found that institution environment role on the FDI exist, and these effects include not only countries and regions but also the sector specific industries. When considering from strategic management perspective they are significant enough to dictate investment decision choice and strategies for selecting the country market that offers institutional and economic context that is in the best interest of the foreign investors. The results obtained are specific for a particular case and limited in the scope, so they cannot be applied to some other countries and regions. However, these results yield important theoretical and practical implications for international companies and policymakers throughout the region. For this purpose, interviews have been conducted including four experts representing

Ligita ŠARKUTĖ - Associate Professor, Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania, ligita.sarkute@vdu.lt

Darjel SINA - Associate Professor, Faculty of Law European University of Tirana, Republic of Albania. darjel.sina@uet.edu.al, (Corresponding Author)

Kreshnik BELLO - Professor, Faculty of Economics, European University of Tirana, Albania. kreshnik.bello@uet.edu.al

Arben VERCUNI - Professor, Faculty of Economics, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania avercuni@ubt.edu.al

F21, F30, G20

PUBLIC DEBT AS A DETERMINANT OF THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN KOSOVO

This article investigates the impact of public debt on economic growth in Kosovo. By analyzing secondary data, we aim to determine whether increasing public debt levels have stimulated or hindered economic growth. The study employs an econometric model to quantify this relationship, providing valuable insights for policymakers and economists. The findings suggest a nuanced impact of public debt on economic growth, with implications for fiscal policy and sustainable development strategies in Kosovo. Empirical results suggest negative relationship between public debt and economic growth controlling for other determinants of growth trade openness, total investment, current account balance and primary balance. The results also confirmed the existence of a “U inverted” relationship between public debt and economic growth.

Filipos RUXHO - Professor Assistant, Faculty of Agribusiness, Haxhi Zeka University, Peja, Republic of Kosovo. filipos.ruxho@unhz.eu

Dimitrios P. PETROPOULOS - Professor, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Food University of Peloponnese, Greece. d.petropoulos@uop.gr

Dimas Angga NEGORO - Profesor Assistant Esa Unggul University, Indonesia. dimas.angga@esaunggul.ac.id

H63, E60, O10, O40

THE CULTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF FAMILY HEALTH UNITS IN THE ALGARVE REGION

Background and Aim: Considering the changes within organizations and their constant needs for internal and external adaptation, the study of organizational culture has been seen as a determining factor for the management of organizational behavior and, at the same time, a foundation in the process of decision making. This study aimed to analyze and compare the profile of the organizational culture of Family Health Units of two different models of organizational management. Based on the Competing Values Framework Model (CVF), the Organizational Culture Profile of the Family Health Units of models A and B was analyzed, in order to identify the type of organizational culture predominant in the units with different performance indices, analyze the discrepancies between the current and ideal culture and the cultural profiles generated by two professional groups. Methodology: A quantitative, cross- sectional study of the type described was chosen. For this purpose, two data sources were used, the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument, translated and adapted to the portuguese language, applied to a total of 99 professionals, doctors and nurses, from various Primary Health Care Units, and the Primary Health Care Identity Card database, where data on performance indices were extracted. Conclusion: Certain cultural characteristics such as: dominant characteristics, organizational leadership, employee management, internal cohesion, organizational principle and success criteria must be readjusted in order to meet the challenges and objectives associated with management models organizational structure and, consequently, promote change and the success of the USF.

Vera BASILIO - Professor Assistant, University of Algarve, Portugal. veraluciaba82@gmail.com

Susana Soares Pinheiro Vieira PESCADA - Professor Assistant, Faculty of Economy, Cin Turs - Research Center for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being University of Algarve, Portugal. E-mail:spescada@ualg.pt

João VIDAL - Professor Assistant, University of Algarve, Portugal Cin Turs - Research Center for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being E-mail:jvidal@ualg.pt

Fernando TEIXEIRA - Professor Asistant, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Portugal Smart Cities Research Center fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

I10, 130